The New Orleans Hornets gutted out a 121-117 overtime victory over Utah here Thursday night, but in the process may have lost power forward David West for an extended period of time with a left knee injury.
West sustained what is being termed as “left knee trauma” on a driving slam dunk with 22.5 to go in regulation. West landed awkwardly on his left leg and his knee buckled under him. Team medical staff came out and he was eventually taken off the floor in a wheelchair.
West was laid out on a training table in the dressing room, his knee encased in ice, in obvious pain, his face covered by a towel. A large immobilizing splint and a pair of crutches were brought into the locker room.
X-rays on the knee were negative, but an MRI is scheduled for today in Phoenix, where the Hornets play the Suns on Friday night.